Your Fall Vaccine Guide

Flu viruses change over time, which is why a flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.

• September and October are generally the best times for most people to get vaccinated.
• Adults ages 9 and older generally need one flu vaccine each season.
• Some children ages 6 months through 8 years need two doses at least four weeks apart, depending on their previous flu vaccination history. Children who need two doses should receive the first dose as soon as vaccine becomes available.

COVID-19 continues to evolve, and updated vaccines are intended to provide protection against currently circulating strains and reduce the risk of severe illness.

• CDC recommends a 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine for all adults ages 18 and older.
• CDC also recommends a 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months–17 years with moderate to severe immunocompromise. For other children in this age group, vaccination is recommended through shared clinical decision-making with a healthcare professional.
• The recommended vaccine and number of doses depend on age, vaccination history, and immune status.

RSV can cause serious respiratory illness, particularly among older adults and people with certain medical conditions.

• CDC recommends one RSV vaccine for everyone ages 75 and older.
• Adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness should also receive one dose. Risk factors may include chronic heart or lung disease, certain kidney conditions, complicated diabetes, weakened immunity, severe obesity, or living in a nursing home.
• Eligible adults may receive an RSV vaccine at any time, but August through October is generally the best time in most of the continental United States.
• RSV vaccination is not currently annual. If you have already received an RSV vaccine, CDC does not recommend another dose at this time.